Today, I’m walking the New York International Gift Fair, hoping to find several everyday and specialty items that clients have requested.
I’ve developed a routine to prepare for shows, and I wonder if you’ve done the same. Time is precious, so it’s important to know what you’ll do before, during, and after visiting a trade show. Do you:
1. Request a badge, by phone or on the show producer’s Web site, before arriving so that no time is wasted registering on site?
2. Review your buying chart to see what needs replenishing and also review a list of items that have been requested in the past by clients, bringing that list with you on this mission? This chart is part of Gift Basket Forms.
3. Sit down outside of the show with the directory once you arrive, searching for your favorite suppliers and specific merchandise sellers, noting their location before walking onto the show floor?
4. Briefly scan booths while walking by that are not on your list and not allow the booth’s representative to waste your time trying to talk you into buying items you don’t want or need?
5. Bring your own purchase order, created with space to select merchandise and instruct suppliers about your specific delivery instructions? As with the Buying Chart mentioned in No. 2, this form is also included with Gift Basket Forms.
My plan is to arrive at approximately 10:00 am, visit the show for three hours, and return to my office with a minimum of 70 percent of my merchandise ordered. The rest will be found at shows I attend in other states, where I’ll again complete the above five steps.
Shopping a show is serious business. That’s why Golden Basket Club members are coached before and after attending a show to ensure that time and money are spent wisely. The Club was mentioned in yesterday’s post.
What’s your plan when you prepare for a trade show?
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